relative to the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent.

HB 257 establishes a new criminal offense called "criminal neglect of a child" for caregivers (such as parents or guardians) who negligently fail to provide necessary care - including food, medical care, shelter, or protection from drugs - for reasons other than poverty, thereby endangering a child's physical, mental, or emotional health. Penalties range from a class A misdemeanor for basic violations to a class A felony if the neglect causes a child's death, serious injury, or repeat offenses. The law applies to anyone responsible for a child's welfare and will take effect on January 1, 2026. It also updates sentencing guidelines to include this offense for crimes against children under 13.